T07018: Allergen specific antibody binding characteristics and longitudinal serological changes to purified allergens
Monday 4 November 2002
This project aims to examine the role that affinity/avidity (strength/quality) of antibody binding to major peanut allergens has in the persistence of peanut allergy.
Background
Unlike many food allergies, which are common in infancy, peanut allergy persists into adulthood, and multiple factors may be responsible for this, such as the strength or quality of antibody binding to peanut allergen(s).
Research Approach
A group of 70 peanut allergic individuals will be followed for a period of two to five years. Levels and the affinities of total and peanut-specific antibodies in blood will be examined over this period.
Results and findings
Results show that both the levels of peanut-specific antibody (IgE and IgG) affinities varied considerably amongst peanut-allergic individuals. The strength/quality of binding of peanut-specific IgE to major peanut allergens was high, and did not vary over the period examined.
Children appeared to have the highest concentrations and affinities for major peanut allergens. There was no correlation between antibody affinity and the clinical severity of disease.
Dissemination information
The final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email food.allergy@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk